SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for expanded international oversight of AI during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. He highlighted that the development of technology shaping humanity’s future must include input from all nations, rather than being dominated by a select few governments and corporations. Guterres described AI as a significant opportunity for sectors such as medicine, education, food systems, and employment. However, he cautioned that inadequate global cooperation could exacerbate disparities in income, opportunities, security, and access to vital services.
The secretary-general pointed out that one-third of the global population remains offline while computing resources, specialized expertise, and investments are concentrated in limited markets. Developing nations require affordable computing solutions, trustworthy data, local languages, technical training, and robust digital infrastructure. These resources would enable governments and researchers to develop systems tailored to their specific needs and public services. Over 20 countries, including China, have proposed establishing centers for a UN-supported network aimed at enhancing AI capacity across different regions and income levels.
Guterres announced plans to soon submit recommendations for a Global Fund for AI and called on governments to endorse the initiative. He identified three main priorities: boosting capacity in developing nations, establishing common safety standards, and reducing environmental impacts. The UN leader emphasized the importance of unified testing and risk management protocols rooted in international law and human rights. He underscored that individuals must maintain control over critical decisions affecting life and safety, regardless of where AI is implemented in security, healthcare, or public safety domains.
Global standards and protection of children
Child safety was a key focus of Guterres’ speech. He stressed that no AI system should be introduced to children before developers can demonstrate its safety. His comments placed accountability on governments and technology companies to implement safeguards before products are deployed in schools, homes, or public services. He also linked effective AI governance to inclusive participation, asserting that every nation must have a voice in shaping international rules.
Environmental concerns related to AI also took center stage in Guterres’ address. He urged leading AI corporations to disclose the energy, water, and emissions associated with their systems. He called for the adoption of renewable energy sources for AI operations by 2030 and improvements in efficiency across data centers. Governments should incorporate clean energy strategies for AI infrastructure into their national energy and climate policies, he recommended. These steps would align digital progress with existing sustainability commitments.
Capacity development and sustainable AI practices
These proposals coincide with the United Nations expanding its role in global AI governance. Member states established a Global Dialogue on AI Governance to facilitate open discussions among governments, industry stakeholders, researchers, and civil society. The UN has also promoted international scientific cooperation and capacity-building initiatives for countries with limited technical resources. Guterres emphasized that governance frameworks must keep pace with rapid technological advances while safeguarding human oversight, international legal standards, and public accountability. He reiterated that technology should serve humanity, not dominate it.
During the conference, Guterres linked access, safety, and sustainability as interconnected elements of the same global challenge. He expressed optimism that AI could advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals by improving healthcare, education, agriculture, and public services. The key test, he argued, is whether AI reduces inequality or merely reinforces existing divisions. He called on governments and corporations to collaborate on establishing rules, investments, and infrastructure that ensure artificial intelligence benefits people across all regions.